5 awesome activities worth escaping your house for this winter

If the newness of Christmas and Hannukah toys is already wearing off, and you’ve played every game or watched every movie in your house, it’s time to get out! While the Chiberia weather keeps sane folks from leaving their house during the winter months, not everyone enjoys hibernating. Littles are likely to go a little stir crazy if cooped up for too long, making time spent together more stressful than enjoyable. These fun activities and experiences are a good escape.

On Jan. 20, this zone of fun will be opening their doors in Downers Grove. Their grand opening kicks off at 10 a.m. and goes until midnight, revealing three stories of sweet activities, laser tag, arcade games, spin zone, bumper cars and VR pods. They will even have special appearances from Peppa Pig, Spider-Man, Mickey Mouse and Ninja Warriors. There are perks for the early birds: the first 100 guests will get $2 off any one attraction and get a $5 game card when you post a picture using #FunZoneChicago on social media. Put it on your calendar for this upcoming weekend!

If the kids are bouncing off the walls, maybe some literal bouncing (on trampolines!) will help to get some of that pent up energy out. With trampolines, ninja courses, and their newest attraction, human bumper balls, this place does not disappoint. Sky High Sports has two Chicago-area locations (Niles and Naperville) where you can jump sky high. Because this place is covered in wall to wall with trampolines, they take safety seriously, from the required grip socks (to be purchased in-house for $3) to the two-inch-thick safety pads on all frames and springs. They are also accommodating to jumpers of all ages, abilities and needs. I love that there is even a designated section for jumpers age six and under.

This classic is being brought to the Prairie Lakes Theater in Des Plaines. In this one-hour adaptation that celebrates fantasy, friendship, and family, the Big Noise Theatre lends their own special twist. You can be sure to expect your favorite characters like the Scarecrow, Lion, Tin Man, Dorothy, and more in addition to the amazing sing-along music. The show runs through Jan. 28 and tickets are just $15/each.

Your favorite little worrywart, Chicken Little, is on stage at the Stahl Family Theater. Oh no! The sky is falling! Chicken Little along with pals Henny Penny, Turkey Lurkey, Goosey Loosey and Foxy Loxy can be found singing along their way as they travel to tell the King the terrifying news. With colorful scenery and costumes, as well as catchy, sing-along songs, this one-hour show is a delight for children ages 2 - 8. Catch Chicken Little and his friends on stage from Jan. 17 through Feb. 28. Tickets are just $12.

Do you have kids that are huge sports fanatics? This interactive museum in Rosemont offers up a piece of sports history dating back to 1896, the year the Big Ten conference was founded. With more than 13 interactive sections to the museum, with highlights such as the Game On interactive games to the Heisman Trophy Photo Op, your sports fan will enjoy learning all about their favorite athletes. Admission to the Big Ten experience is free. Check out their website on hours of operation.